News & Information for the MEDITECH Community
Volume 2 - Issue 7 - September 2007
About This Publication:
The MEDITECH Community Bulletin is a periodic newsletter covering a broad range of topics that are relevant to the MEDITECH community. In addition, this newsletter provides a forum for guest contributors including consultants and, of course, MEDITECH customers. The MEDITECH Community Bulletin is published and distributed free of charge to you by Systems Personnel, a professional search firm specializing in the Healthcare IT and Management market. Visit us online at www.CarrollSearch.com.
If this is the first time you're reading the The MEDITECH Community Bulletin, consider it a warm smile and a handshake as we introduce our newsletter to your company. If you're a long-time recipient, we hope that you'll find this issue of the The MEDITECH Community Bulletin just as useful as always.
Thanks for your continued ideas, contributions, and feedback!
Regards,
Donna Carroll
QUICK LINKS:
Guest Spot | Vendor Spotlight | Featured Employer
Recent News | Worth a Read | Contact Info
Guest Spot: The Need for Data Synchronization Tools
Contributed by: Joyce Crook, Director of Corporate Accounts, Summit Healthcare Services, Inc.
In the past year, there has been a steady rise in demand for data synchronization tools in the healthcare industry. With the continued evolution of healthcare requirements coupled with increased project work and staffing constraints in the area of Information Systems; clients and peers have demanded specialized applications to help them maintain the integrity of their databases (or dictionaries). My experiences in this area remember an era where the party or parties responsible for dictionary maintenance were instructed to build all dictionary data in the HCIS Test environment manually, and after thorough testing and verification of the hardcopy with all affected parties, then, and only then could the data be moved or keyed into the Live environment. This works well in theory, but only if you are living in a world where the resources are unlimited and your IT projects are going along at a comfortable pace; without any major hiccups gumming up the works. The reality of it all is that at some point in time, despite best efforts to keep up with dictionary maintenance, your data integrity begins to slip a bit more each day.
Just what is Data Synchronization and why is it so important?
Data synchronization as it applies to healthcare IT in its simplest form is the process of ensuring that the content of data within two or more systems (possibly disparate) are the same for the purposes of data integrity. That’s a pretty broad spectrum and of course the devil, as they say, is in the details of it all. As healthcare professionals really began to take a hold of this issue and ‘peel back the onion’ of data synchronization and peer into its many layers, they soon realized that there is more to this process that meets the eye. The available tools on the market that provide the ability to synchronize data come in all different flavors, and as with anything there are factors to consider based on the feature and functionality that you want to employ in your solution.
The question remains; why is data synchronization needed? There are a multitude of reasons why a healthcare organization decides to spend time and valuable resources ensuring their data is properly synchronized. I will highlight a few scenarios below:
Maintaining the Quality of Clinical and Financial Data
Simplifying Advanced Clinical Implementations
Avoiding the Risk of Users Testing New Rings In Live
Reproducing an Issue in Test to Resolve a ‘Live’ Problem
The Need for a More Realistic Training Ground for Users
Managing Multiple Facility’s Data (Standardization)
What are the different approaches to synchronize data that are used in Healthcare today?
Going back a few years there were many different approaches used by hospitals to synch their data, each having its own degree of success. I’ll outline some of the older methods that may very well be in use at some facilities as well as some of the more current methodologies:
Older Methods:
More Recent Methods:
So by now you’re asking yourself “why bother with a specialized synchronization application at all, when I can just use a scripting automation tool to script the data into a destination system”? Well, in truth many have gone this way in their early attempts to get their data integrity under control, but they soon realized that it wasn’t always the most efficient approach to get their dictionaries synchronized.
The most common concerns that I’ve come across with using scripting alone include:
Scripting takes too long to analyze all the differences between two dictionaries, due in part to the number of rules you have to build in your script (to handle multiple fields, etc)
Concerns about the need to have an easy to use tool to analyze the data before running a script to update the records
Writing over a complete dictionary without choosing just the differences from a ‘master file’ takes too long via scripting
Performance (large dictionary files were too large and took too long to process)
Sometimes a Programmer Level Resource is Required
Specialized applications also come in different shapes and sizes, and from there it all comes down to the cost effectiveness of the product, speed, preferred functionality; the ability to handle complex dictionaries and how easy it is to implement and use.
What are the features or components that you might find in a Data Synchronization Tool?
MEDITECH, for example, is a hierarchal system where dictionaries are built with dependencies on other dictionaries. This layered data structure contains dictionaries with ’multiples’ (one field with many different entries), as well as parent/child and brother/sister relationships. It is rapidly discovered when building these types of dictionaries that using this ‘family style’ data structure, the user must start building from the lowest relationship up. For example, you must build the group response before you build the group; which must be built before the query, which will need to be built before the customer defined screen. Sound familiar?
Some tools handle these relationships better than others and some don’t have a means to handle these special relationships at all.
Now let’s up the ante a little bit more and talk about the unique synchronization requirements of a large multi-chain hospital system. First off, using economy to scale, larger hospital systems often have multiple facilities with separate applications databases to contend with. Without a doubt, the physical geography and configuration landscape add a layer of complexity to the mix right off the bat! But finding a sync tool that can deal with multiple application databases and their complex relationships is just the tip of the ice burg! There is a multitude of less obvious, but equally impacting factors that a large hospital organization must think about as they hunt through the feature list of a data synchronization tool. The most prevalent factors are:
Built for the Enterprise!
Supports the Need to Standardize Databases From a ‘Master File’
Can Quickly Identify Differences in Complex Dictionaries
Reporting & Recovery
Must have a comprehensive audit trail of what is updated, when, and by whom
Must have the ability to easily revert back in case of a problem during update
Beyond the size of the hospital organization and all the features, bells and whistles that a synchronization tool may or may not have, the bottom line is that in order to be adopted into the organization successfully, the application must be reliable, easy to use and customizable to some degree. In order for one to achieve maximum value of their synchronization tool, the sync application needs to automate each manual process that you’re doing to date; regardless if you are synchronizing simple or complex dictionaries. There are also a number of key features that make the synchronization process more efficient. Features may include:
Data Analysis Tools
Support Multiple Data Extraction Methods
Support of Parent/Child Relationships (complex dictionaries)
Ability to Select Discreet Data to Synchronize
Data Filtering
Support for the Enterprise (peer review on sync project)
Integrated Method to Update the Dictionaries
As you can see there are many different features to evaluate. You have to decide what feature set is right for your particular facility or project. That said I’m going to take a moment to highlight some of the more prominent features like data analysis and extraction.
Data Analysis
The Data Analysis feature as it relates to a synchronization project is comprised of two distinct parts. First, there is the part to analyze and select discreet data from both HCIS environments (Test and Live) that identifies what you want to synchronize. The second piece is where a user is able to use a grid to quickly view and identify the differences found between the two environments so you can decide what you want to update (which environment wins for any given field). The act of analyzing the data during the selection process can be accomplished manually while keying in the fields you wish to select in your custom report (NPR) or automated through an extraction method which I’ll touch upon in a minute. I believe it is necessary to be able to analyze your discreet data during the extraction itself (data selection) as well as have the ability to analyze the data post extraction and pre update. This is because by analyzing the data before synchronization you can be selective about the data you update, and at the same time achieve a more efficient processing time during the update of the dictionaries. In addition a sync tool with a data analysis grid is especially effective when you can actually see the discrepancies between environments – some products even let you view a parent dictionary against its children!
In my mind, without the data analysis piece, you simply have an un-optimized script solution that pushes data from one point to the next.
Data Extraction
There are basically two methods to extract data from an HCIS for the purposes of synching your data.
Direct (Database)
Indirect (Reports)
Direct from the Database:
There are a few vendors on the market that provide a direct extraction method, either through a direct ODBC or .NET driver. The idea here is to have the sync application plug right into your HCIS database with a direct connection and automatically extract the data to a report that is ingested into the synchronization software. This is quite often much faster than traditional report extracts! However, be aware that some sync tools also provide the flexibility to process both a ‘flat file’ import and direct HCIS extraction. This may be something to consider in a sync tool depending on your platform landscape, because support of a flat file import method likely provides the levity to go outside one HCIS into another disparate system for the purposes of synchronizing data (like users and providers).
Sync tools that use a direct method of extraction from the database may also include a wizard to guide a user through the entire process. This is an important point to think about, because the lack of a wizard may mean that a programmer’s skill is required to navigate through the process of connecting to the database, selecting data, and importing the data into your synchronization project. When you look at a product that uses a direct data extraction method, also look for these sub features:
Indirect (Via Report):
There are a few common indirect methods to extract data from the HCIS:
The problem that I see with using Standard Reports (canned) is that you often lack all of the fields necessary to synchronize your databases effectively. This then leads you down the path of finding custom reporting tool resources (Data Analysts) to customize the reports for extraction. NPR, or like reporting tools will certainly fit the bill of extracting your dictionary data into a flat file, but in my experience, these experts are often few and far between, and/or are already loaded down with various custom report requests. Plus who wants to create thousands of NPR reports that will inevitably have to be edited every time a change occurs to your data structure? I haven’t run across one person yet that was overly enthusiastic about this approach!
So, while some may argue the importance of a feature like data analysis over the importance of the data extraction method – I argue it a bit differently. I see these two separate components integrated into one necessary feature!
Now you know the tools you need to synchronize, and have the data ready! What’s next?
It’s time to synchronize. Depending on the size of your synchronization project, there are really only two ways to synch your dictionaries.
Manually, like you’re probably doing today. This is effective if its a few fields, so go for it, and have a great time.
Using a specialized data synchronization application with an integrated scripting tool. Let’s face it; the only other way to get data back into MEDITECH is either via HL7 or a scripting tool. So, regardless of what solution you choose in the market, it’s scripting in the forefront or the background that is automating this process.
I have often been asked by many about the likelihood of writing updates directly to the MEDITECH database (through some type of direct driver). Sorry folks; this isn’t an option that can be used because such an action would probably break your service contract with MEDITECH - and we don’t want to do that!
In Conclusion:
If your organizations motto is “we never synchronized our data before and there just isn’t enough time to maintain synchronized data”; I’m afraid you won’t be able to stem the sea of change much longer. Hospital Administrators are rapidly coming to the realization that continuing the practice of testing a new HCIS release in a Live environment can lead to incomplete testing and result in other equally unsavory data integrity problems. Administrators can no longer afford to be at clinical or financial risk by having unsynchronized databases.
So in conclusion, I have reviewed a number of reasons why Data Synchronization Tools are needed in healthcare. I also took a look into old and new methodologies used to synchronize data between systems as well as explored some of the most common features and benefits found on the market.
I think you would agree that the value of using a progressive data synchronization tool cannot be disputed. There are many great choices for the healthcare consumer and the right tool will help your organization get back on track with your data integrity or dictionary standardization goals.
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As the Director of Corporate Accounts, Joyce Crook brings over 11 years of direct healthcare experience to Summit Healthcare. Joyce spent 7 years at MEDITECH in application support and direct sales followed by 2 years of consulting services at First Consulting Group (FCG). Joyce brings a high level of understanding to her Summit Healthcare client relationships due to her unique blend of experience in healthcare technology and consulting services. Joyce continues to direct all account management efforts for Summit Healthcare and is eager to develop innovative programs to manage her client’s needs.
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Vendor Spotlight: Think CRH for NPR
By: Todd Babineau, President, CRH Consulting, Inc.
The Challenge:
Besides the standard reports (with limited options for customization) provided with an implementation, healthcare facilities have their own unique needs based on their business practices. Obviously, MEDITECH provides both the data and the tool (NPR) for report writing. Unfortunately, however, healthcare facilities often lack the functional and/or technical expertise necessary to create quality custom reports. That's where CRH Consulting, Inc. comes in. We bridge the gap by providing business/clinical knowledge along with NPR expertise to deliver high quality solutions.
CRH Can Help:
We have experience determining current report availability and matching that to current reporting needs. Often times, during migration to a new HCIS, reports needed in the existing system become redundant as a result new of dictionary structures and linking of data from various applications. We have experience in reporting analysis and rather than just recreate reports in the existing/old system, we will provide you with an optimum solution as per your business practice.
We'll perform a thorough reporting analysis to determine if existing reports can be modified or whether new reports need to be created in order to meet your specific business needs. Our team of experienced NPR developers are skilled at creating reports which combine data from multiple modules requiring advanced macro functionality. Our developers have proven expertise in both Client Server and Magic platforms.
Our Process:
We provide a thorough reporting analysis based on current needs. This process involves:
Meeting with personnel in different departments who are either the generators of existing reports or end-users
Gaining an understanding not only of the data requested on the report, but also the purpose and specific need for the report
Once the reporting analysis is complete, we have fine-tuned our process to ease and quicken detailed requirements gathering, even from non-technical personnel. Step-by-step instructions are delivered to the client.
The client fills out NPR request form(s) providing up-front analysis, allowing us to develop the NPR (on-site or remotely)
We provide feedback on any questions and bring the NPR to the point of testing
We respond immediately with modifications or corrections, if any, as a result of client testing
CRH will also work with the client to manage the priority of reports, which is particularly helpful during go-live efforts when the volume of reports is very high. We will apply multiple resources from the NPR team to tackle all your high priority reports simultaneously.
Our preferred method of connection for remote NPR development is over the internet via tools like VPN and Citrix. For standalone reports, we provide an estimate on the basis of the NPR request form and a dialog with the person requesting the report. In some cases we might need to peruse your system, for analysis, before providing a quote. Once the estimate is given, as long as the scope of the report is unchanged, your cost will not be higher than the estimate. Providing you with this 'not-to-exceed' quote helps you to plan and stay within your budget.
Training & Scripting:
CRH Consulting also provides training in NPR/Magic report writing. Our courses are tailored to meet your specific needs and are offered for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. We'll provide on-the-job training to your technical staff, leaving you with the ability to take care of moderate needs even after we are gone.
In addition, CRH can help with all Scripting and Scheduling tasks. We have expertise with various tools like Summit and Boston Workstation to synchronize dictionaries, schedule reports, and perform other routine and mundane tasks to save time and increase efficiency.
Unleashing the Power:
Whether you don't have a skilled NPR Programmer on staff, have more work to complete than staff to perform it, or simply need a data extract or an interface, CRH Consulting is a cost-effective alternative to utilizing in-house resources for all of your NPR and scripting needs.
Let CRH Consulting, Inc. unleash the power of your MEDITECH system by serving your specific NPR Development, Training, and Scripting needs. For further information, please contact us at sales@crhconsult.com or call Gary Bell, VP of Business Development, at 413-599-0009.
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Featured Employer: Kalispell Regional Medical Center & Pacific Alliance Medical Center
By: Donna Carroll, Editor
Last month, we announced the beginning of a new feature within The MEDITECH Community Bulletin newsletter. Every month, we will feature one employer and allow them to advertise their job posting in our newsletter FREE of CHARGE. In addition to the basic job posting, we will provide some general information about the employer and their environment. The featured employer will also have their job advertised on our MeditechCareers.com web site. This new web site was created in order to give MEDITECH professionals a place to explore career options and opportunities. We're actually featuring two employers in this issue because they both submitted their request at just about the same time.
If you're interested in getting your job advertised for FREE, simply email us the job description, along with your full contact information, and we'll contact you for additional details.
Kalispell Regional Medical Center
Kalispell, Montana
About the Organization:
Kalispell Regional Medical Center is home to the most comprehensive medical care in Northwest Montana. We have 188 CMS certified beds in our inpatient facilities plus 110 licensed beds in our Long Term Care facility. Although we added a new inpatient wing four years ago, our area is growing so quickly we have had to add a modular unit while in the process of designing and building another wing for patient care. Our parent organization, Northwest HealthCare, brings together a wide variety of services under one umbrella. This offers our patients outstanding continuity of care and our employees a wide range of opportunities. Our services include a lovely and comfortable short stay surgical facility, an Oncology Cancer Treatment Center, a Breast Center, Diabetes Education, Cardiovascular Services, State-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging, Chemical Dependency Treatment Center, Home Medical Equipment, and an award-winning community center for Health, Education and Fitness, just to name a few. And our corporation, the largest private employer in Flathead County, has been recognized in the state of Montana for excellence in employee benefits.
About the Location:
Located in "Big Sky" country, Kalispell Regional Medical Center is close to Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort, Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park but far from "Big City" problems. Sometimes called "The Last Best Place", Montana is home to majestic mountains, pristine lakes, open land, big sky, professional theater, local art and friendly people. Our lifestyle acknowledges the importance of family and friends while offering opportunities for healthy and fun outdoor activities year round. If you want this lifestyle for yourself or for your children, you can have it right outside your door.
About the Department:
Our Health Information Technology team not only implements hardware and software within our entire parent organization, but we also support over 48 physician offices and several small rural hospitals, with a WAN that stretches 180 miles North/South and 260 miles East/West. Our main HCIS is Client Server MEDITECH 5.5 SR2 but we also support over 250 other applications, such as MedHOST, Formfast, Softmed, McKesson, Vista Keane, DR PACS, Kronos, LSS, ANSOS, Impac and eClinicalWorks just to name a few. Northwest Healthcare has approximately 1800 employees. Another 500 or so outside users connect to us for support of any of those 250 applications. At any time there can be over 2000-3000 connections accessing our network resources. Our director is a leader in our state for building an infrastructure for an Electronic Health Information project and is currently working on a large grant proposal for that project. We currently have 5 applications specialists, 4 network analysts, 2 customer support specialists, an interface engineer, and 5 technical support specialists. The applications group has offices in the hospital and the technical staff are in a separate building, but we maintain our family atmosphere with monthly barbecues, employee birthday treats and a summer day event at Bitteroot Lake. We love to laugh hard and work hard. Our applications group is currently implementing the OR Module at a small rural hospital as well as assisting in several eClinicalWorks implementations. We just brought our Emergency Department LIVE with MedHOST in April with full orders integration and are working on a charge and discrete data interface at this time. We are looking forward to implementing an "overlay" so that anyone within our system can look at patient data no matter which application was used to enter the data. Our H.I.T. mission is to provide an integrated Health Care Information Solution and continuum of Patient Care to all of NWHC and subsidiaries, utilizing current technology in a secured environment.
Current Position(s) Available:
Applications Specialist II
Permanent, Full-Time
Description:
The Applications Specialist II will help facilitate the implementation and support of the various modules of Meditech and other software as well as integration of these modules and varying software.
Provides software application support by troubleshooting daily issues.
Provides help with report writing as requested.
Acts as liaison between end users and vendor, expediting resolution of issues.
Able to execute testing in an integrated environment while incorporating quality management concepts.
Demonstrates knowledge of clinical workflow and is able to incorporate into problem-solving and report writing for applications.
Able to identify complex system function including user needs, user set-up, training needs, and day-to-day support.
Enhances functionality through process redesign and reports.
Designs documentation and educates end users.
Works closely with other members of H.I.T. team to problem solve and improve services.
Can function as team leader for implementations and project improvement initiatives within the department as well as in interdisciplinary implementations/projects.
Can complete multiple tasks independently or with minimal guidance.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree preferred, Associates Degree required, or comparable work experience in a relevant field.
Hospital work experience highly preferred.
Leadership, problem solving and good communication skills required.
Strong understanding of common software applications (ex. MS Office) required.
Strong understanding of personal computers required.
Prefer experience with MEDITECH NPR Report Writer and software applications.
How to Apply:
To apply for this Job, please email your resume to Human Resources and reference job "Applications Specialist II".
Integration Developer
Permanent, Full-Time
Description:
The Integration Developer will plan, create, implement, document and maintain interfaces among multiple disparate healthcare and related information systems.
Code, test, and implement data conversion for migrations to new software.
Maintains project timelines, manage day to day troubleshooting, and provides appropriate policies and procedures regarding interfaces.
Works with various departments and other organizations to identify project parameters and output requirements.
Provides research on new technology, performs required system maintenance by applying fixes and updates to current software.
In-depth understanding of software development methodologies and software lifecycle.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 3 years of healthcare integration experience.
Must have strong healthcare integration experience including:
Substantive experience with existing healthcare integration engines such as SeeBeyond dGate, eGate.
Extensive interface coding language experience
Detailed knowledge of HL7 2.x/3.0 standard with demonstrated ability.
Extensive knowledge of both structured and non-structured clinical data formats (ADT, labs, clinical notes, etc.)
Strong expertise in standard healthcare code-sets (ICD-9/10, SNOMED, LOINC, etc.)
MEDITECH experience preferred, including NPR
Must have strong general software development skills:
Strong PERL programming skills
Visual Basic and C++
Good MySQL or other DBMS knowledge
Comfortable working within UNIX Solaris, Linux, and Microsoft operating systems
Strong, demonstrated problem-solving skills
How to Apply:
To apply for this Job, please email your resume to Human Resources and reference job "Integration Developer".
Pacific Alliance Medical Center
Los Angeles, California
About the Organization:
Founded in 1860, Pacific Alliance Medical Center has provided quality healthcare in a caring, patient-centered environment. Today the multi-cultural and multi-lingual staff at PAMC offers state-of-the-art services to meet a broad spectrum of healthcare needs. We strive to go above and beyond for the patients that come into our hospital and we pride ourselves in the quality of the services that we provide.
About the Location:
We are located in the Chinatown portion of downtown Los Angeles, adjacent to Dodger Stadium. We are situated close to the Staples Center, Universal City, Hollywood Boulevard and the Disney Center as well as the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Our climate is extremely favorable and we have all the metropolitan area amenities and more.
About the Department:
Our MIS Department has a collegial environment that encourages employees to excel. We have the most current version of the MEDITECH Magic Platform version 5.61. We have a staff of 10 people which is small enough for all individuals to interact and exchange ideas freely. The CIO, Manager of MIS, and Manager of Clinical Informatics have worked at the hospital a number of years and ensure the department has the tools, information, and training they require to complete their jobs. We have recently acquired Array Software's Helpdesk Product and will soon implement MEDITECH's ITS, QM/RM, and E-MAR/BMV modules. We are starting to employ PMI Project Management Methodologies for all new projects.
Current Position(s) Available:
Clinical Informatics Analyst
Permanent, Full-Time
Description:
The Clinical Informatics Analyst is responsible for overall support of the MEDITECH Clinical Applications. This person works with teams that implement and change clinical informatics processes. Job duties include but are not limited to:
Teaches orientation classes for both Order Entry and Nursing module as needed
Assists nursing and ancillary staff in daily utilization of the HCIS as needed
Manages the annual MEDITECH Upgrade for Clinical Applications
Participates in continuous quality improvement process
Revises dictionaries in consultation with the Director of MIS
Creates and modifies Clinical Documentation in MEDITECH
Communicates with users, managers, and directors regarding concerns and needs for changes
Exercise good customer service at all time with all individuals
Qualifications:
RN, LVN or Bachelors Degree with appropriate clinical application experience
Must have MEDITECH NPR, Magic, Rules and Attribute, CDS programming experience
Experienced in electronic documentation especially MEDITECH System
Successful teamwork with the ability to promote cooperation
Able to work under stressful situations
Must have excellent oral and written communications skills
California RN License highly preferred
How to Apply:
To apply for this Job, please email your resume to Human Resources and reference job "Clinical Informatics Analyst".
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Recent News: Perot Goes Wild With Acquisition
August 13, 2007 -- Perot Systems Corporation (NYSE: PER) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire JJWild, Inc., the preferred provider of integrated healthcare delivery solutions for organizations using the MEDITECH Healthcare Information System. Perot Systems will acquire the Canton, Massachusetts-based company for $89 million, subject to certain adjustments and offsets.
The acquisition of JJWild adds to the capabilities of the company’s MEDITECH Solution Center, enabling Perot Systems to expand and enhance its MEDITECH service offerings to serve a broader range of hospitals.
“JJWild enjoys a great reputation, has talented people, and long-term customer relationships, all of which make them an excellent addition to Perot Systems’ healthcare industry group,” said company CEO Peter Altabef. “JJWild’s position in the healthcare market deepens our expertise with the clinical and financial information system used by more than 2,000 hospitals in the U.S., Canada, and other select international markets.”
Following the acquisition, all JJWild associates will join Perot Systems. The addition of JJWild’s application consultants and technology specialists will firmly position Perot Systems’ MEDITECH Solution Center as a market leader, with services ranging from technology design and implementation to hosting and support of MEDITECH applications.
More info: http://jjwild.com/pdf/news/Press_Release_JJWild_Acquisition.pdf
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Worth a Read: Articles of Interest to the Healthcare IT Field
A Plan For All Seasons
By: Mark Hagland and Daphne Lawrence
HealthCare Informatics, August, 2007
Because Healthcare organizations are moving towards paperless workflows such as CPOE (Clinical Provider Order Entry) the need for timely disaster recovery is moving from hours to minutes. Industry experts agree that hospitals are under-prepared for disasters and may well face catastrophic consequences if they do not place disaster recovery as a priority.
Read article
After The Storm
By: Mark Hagland
HealthCare Informatics, August, 2007
Ochsner Health System had planned extensively for hurricanes prior to Katrina and was one of the few New Orleans hospitals able to function during the storm and after. Even so, the organization has taken what it learned during that time and developed an even more comprehensive disaster plan for the future.
Read article
On Shaky Ground
By: Mark Hagland
HealthCare Informatics, August, 2007
On the West Coast earthquakes are a major threat, so laws have been passed that require seismic retrofit requirements of all hospitals. However a 2001 study revealed that 37 percent of the state’s hospitals had a significant risk of collapse in an earthquake. This article looks are how some hospitals improving both patient safety and IT disaster recovery in the event of a significant earthquake.
Read article
Sense of Security
By: Daphne Lawrence
HealthCare Informatics, August, 2007
Although the Northeast isn’t as worried about earthquakes or tornadoes, business continuity is still a top priority. Water detection systems and back up power are a top priority for Partner’s Health System in Boston, MA. Advice from the Chief Information Security Officer to get the dollars needed for disaster recovery? “If they check off critical application, they automatically have to put a disaster recovery plan in place to get approval for the application. So we're stopping the spigot at the beginning instead of coming back after the fact.”
Read article
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